Milwaukee Brewers: Top performing 2017 draft picks

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MILWAUKEE – JUNE 04: A general view of gloves taken during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 4, 2008 at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

As with every draft class there are those who rise above expectations and those who fall. While the Milwaukee Brewers top picks are performing, there are some under the radar selections that are getting the job done.

Many of these players only played in rookie leagues, and they could easily fizzle out against higher competition. But their performances during their first taste as professionals in the Milwaukee Brewers organization bring hope for great value in the selections.

The obvious performer is first round selection Keston Hiura. He top the list of players tearing the cover off of the baseball. His combined numbers across the rookie leagues and full season A ball are simply phenomenal. His .371 batting average couples very nicely with four home runs and seven triples.

His bat is not the question, nor was it ever. It was the injury possibility and glove work that brings him down. Too bad there is no DH in the NL. Although many fans of the Crew may be calling for one following the injury to Jimmy Nelson.

Unfortunately, the time in the minors has not answered any of the fielding questions. He has played three games at second base, resulting in one fielding opportunity. Hiura did make the play, if that is any consolation.

Personally, if he is healthy, I think Hiura’s bat is too good not to plug into lineups. If the situation is dire for defense, just don’t run him out there. There are plenty of different options in the Milwaukee Brewers organization for middle infield. And who is to say that he won’t develop a solid enough glove as he works through the minors. At worst, if he is hitting, Hiura could be shipped off to the AL for some serious value.

As the ninth overall selection, Hiura is expected to hit this way. There are several other picks with great performances as well. While some also come with lofty expectations, others are a bit of a surprise.

If these young players continue to play well, the Brewer future will continue to brighten. Unfortunately, only one of the early draft standouts are pitchers. As hitters get better, it may just take a little more time for arms to adjust. In any case, the hitting is on fire.

MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 06: General view as fans arrive to Miller Park before the start of Opening Day between the Colorado Rockies and the Milwaukee Brewers on April 06, 2015 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /

Tristen Lutz

Now, as a compensation pick, Lutz does come with some expectation. To add to it, he signed out of high school. That being said, the 19 year old outfielder did very well during his first professional stint.

Most of his games came as a member of the Helena Brewers. Through 24 games, Lutz finished with the second highest batting average on the team. He even connected for six homers in 24 games at that level.

As is the case with most transitioning players, Lutz needs to tone down the strikeouts. Through 40 total games, he was sent packing 42 times. But, he is 19 getting his first taste. That is bound to happen and not at all a huge issue. There are big things coming from this young bat.

KJ Harrison

The former Oregon State catcher finished just below Lutz in terms of batting average for the Helena Brewers. His .308 mark shows a lot of promise moving forward.

There is some expectation to being a third round selection. Just ask 2007 third round selection Jonathan Lucroy. However, so far Harrison is stepping up to the challenge. He finished the year top five in almost every offensive category.

Harrison is a catcher by trade. However, after seeing the field in only 17 of his 48 games, that does pose a defensive question. Especially after four passed balls, one error, and only throwing out seven runners while allowing 20 steals.

More than likely, he will be moved. The organization will find a spot on the field to keep him. After all, they want a bat hitting .300 in the lineup. It is a similar situation to Hiura, in that the bat plays but the glove is proving to be suspect. There is time for development, but his bat will carry him a long way very quick. If he can improve as a backstop then he may progress quicker. Young, solid catchers don’t come around every day.

MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 01: An overall general view of Miller Park during the National Anthem before the start of the Colorado Rockies and Milwaukee Brewers game on Opening Day at Miller Park on April 1, 2013 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Brewers defeated the Rockies 5-4. (Photo by Tom Lynn/Getty Images) /

Dallas Carroll

After sneaking into the top 10 rounds, the Milwaukee Brewers ninth round pick hit extremely well. In fact, his .336 batting average in Helena warranted a promotion to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

At the next level, Carroll hit .261 through 30 games. That places him third for the team among players who played in as many games or more. His minors career is off to a great start, made evident by the nine homers he has slugged and combined .300 batting average.

Being a third baseman does not make his road any easier. The organization is crawling with talented infielders. His seven errors across both leagues do not help his case. He saw a couple games at second and first, but he is primarily at the hot corner.

Being a mid-season all-star for Helena shows enough potential to find a spot for him. It is not unheard of to transfer a solid bad and strong arm at third to catcher. The Cardinals did that with Carson Kelly, who now sits as the top catcher prospect. No matter what, his bat plays.

Je’von Ward

In terms of getting total value out of a pick, Ward is still the farthest away of anyone on this list. The reason he is worth mentioning is the offensive potential displayed during his time with the Arizona League Brewers where he hit a respectable .276.

It isn’t a number that will shoot off of the page, but the Milwaukee Brewers 12th round pick showed off some tools. He swiped bases, he showed gap power and he hit for a good average from the left side of the plate. Oh, did I mention he is only 17?

That’s right, he is playing straight out of high school. He won’t even be old enough to vote until October. That makes the offensive numbers more impressive.

That being said, there is no excuse for an outfielder to commit nine errors. While his hitting ins on a great track, his glove needs some work. The seems to be a trend for the Brewer youngsters, but that is also what developmental coaching is for.

MILWAUKEE – JUNE 19: A general view of Miller Park taken during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Toronto Blue Jays on June 19, 2008 at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Dylan File

Finally, the lone pitcher makes his appearance. The Milwaukee Brewers 21st round selection showed glimpses of promise during his time with the Helena Brewers. File appeared in 12 games, starting seven of them, walking away with a 4.02 ERA. That is pretty impressive from a guy who just last year was playing for a Division II college in Utah.

While the 34 strikeouts in 47 innings isn’t going to blow anyone away, it is worth mentioning he only walked 13 batters. The young righty displayed some excellent command of the strike zone to open up his career.

The hope is that File will only get better with time. He put together a solid first season while adjusting to the new level, but the key is to keep improving. He is certainly worth keeping an eye on moving forward.

Brent Diaz

Another catcher who is performing with the bat. This is a good sign. Diaz is the Milwaukee Brewers 29th round selection out of Louisiana Tech. After a shaky performance with the Helena Brewers, he found himself playing in the Arizona rookie league by the end of the season.

In Helena, Diaz put together a season where he hit .267. He went through a stint where he only hit safely three times in 21 at bats. Following that, he found himself demoted. That possible was the best thing for him at the time.

The young backstop hit .368 in Arizona. His bat came alive. If he can continue to mature as a hitter, he can find that success at higher levels. The interesting tool that is presented by Diaz is his speed. Though his four steals may not seem like a lot, for a catcher he has some wheels. And he is smart about it. He was only thrown out once all year.

Kenny Corey

The Milwaukee Brewers 36th round selection is listed a second baseman on his player profile. However, the draft list more accurately lists him as a utility player. During his lone season with the organization, he has seen time at second base, third base, shortstop, left field, and center field. All with a fair degree of success.

While a guy picked so late may not come with a large degree of excitement, his .371 batting average in Arizona is certainly worth noting. He even found success to the tune of a .286 batting average with Helena, along with walking 24 times across both leagues.

For such a late pick, he is showing some kind of talent so far. Again, it is only one year. But it is good to see him finding a groove so quickly.

Next: Who will replace Jimmy Nelson?

There is a reason he was there in the 36th round, and that could surface as he moves through the minors. But late round pick does not mean he can’t blossom into a professional hitter. His defensive flexibility is a huge plus.

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